LIVONIA (WWJ) – Clean-up continues on the border of Livonia and Farmington Hills after a semi truck spilled corrosive liquid on Middle Belt and Eight Mile Roads.
According to a statement from the City of Livonia, around 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19th, a semi-truck driving south on Middle Belt lost part of its cargo as it crossed Eight Mile into Livonia, spilling 300 gallons of corrosive liquid.
Due to the nature of the hazard, the Western Wayne Hazardous Materials Response Team was sent to the scene. Hazmat and firefighters from the surrounding area, including Farmington Hills, also responded.
The hazmat technicians wore specialized suits to enter the semi and stop the leak.
The acid was identified as ferric chloride. According to the National Institutes of Health, ferric chloride is used to treat sewage, industrial waste, to purify water, and to manufacture other chemicals.
It can be harmful if swallowed and can cause burning or irritation to the skin or damage the eyes. It can also be harmful to aquatic life.
City officials say there is no community health risk.
Livonia Emergency Preparedness, Wayne County Emergency Management and the State’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Departments continue to assess the scene.
Clean-up was scheduled to wrap up at 10 p.m. on Monday, but an additional contractor was needed to be brought in to correctly process the spill.
WWJ's Mike Campbell reported from the scene early Tuesday morning. A nearby gas station clerk told Campbell that the closure impacted business. Crews were still out on the scene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
The closure impacts eastbound Eight Mile at Fremont and southbound traffic at Eight Mile and Middle Belt. Officials ask drivers to seek an alternate route until clean-up is complete.